Toenail fungus can be unsightly, and therefore embarrassing. If you’ve ever had it, chances are you were desperate for a fast solution. And rightfully so – fungus can spread from one nail to the other. Additionally, there are some toenail fungi that are particularly difficult to treat and should be treated with prescription-strength ointments.
The quickest way to get rid of your toenail fungus and ensure it doesn’t spread is to visit a podiatrist, but in the meantime, there are some at-home remedies you can try.
Baking Soda
The theory behind this home remedy is that baking soda soaks up excess moisture that may cause toenail fungus. In one small study, researchers studied the effect of baking soda on some common fungi that cause such infections.
The study found that baking soda was able to prevent fungal growth in 79% of the fungi specimens tested. In another 17%, baking soda reduced fungi growth – but didn’t stop it completely.
You can either put baking soda in your socks and shoes to soak up moisture – or make a paste of baking soda and water, and applying it to the affected nail.
Over-The-Counter Ointments
Mentholated topical ointments can also help treat toenail fungus. These ointments are typically recommended to help treat cough and cold symptoms. Active ingredients in mentholated ointments – such as eucalyptus oil and menthol – have some properties that may be effective in treating toenail fungus.
This study indicated that some participants found relief from their toenail fungus, but not all. More research is needed to completely validate this at-home remedy.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils may have antifungal effects when applied to toenail fungus. Some essential oils include:
- tea tree oil
- eucalyptus oil
- lavender oil
- clary sage oil
- ylang ylang oil
One study that researched essential oils’ effects on laboratory samples found that certain essential oil blends had antifungal and antimicrobial effects. Be sure to consult with your doctor before using any essential oils – and be sure to properly dilute them as well.
Prevention
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this case is no exception. The best way to “treat” toenail fungus is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Make sure that you wear clean socks, and clean your shoes regularly.
Make sure that your feet aren’t wet for extended periods of time – make sure they’re fully dry after each shower. This is especially important for those with diabetes. Make sure any trimmer you use is clean, and clean/trim your toenails regularly. This will also give you an opportunity to quickly identify and treat any new infections.
Toe fungus can sometimes indicate a lack of blood flow. Seek professional evaluation if you have reason to believe this may be so.
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn toenail fungus, make your appointment with Warner Orthopedics & Wellness today!
